Blissful Escapes
Robyn Moreno
After all the wedding planning, tears, and excitement, you could really use a vacation. Thankfully,as newlyweds it’s expected. Long Island Bride & Groom has rounded up some of the most popular honeymoon destinations to help point you in the right direction. Bon Voyage!
Fantasy Island
Bermuda is the perfect blend of English civility and island charm. Only a two-hour flight from New York City, it’s an easy escape after a hectic wedding weekend. Known for its pink sands and year-round gentle climate (average temperatures range between 68 and 84 degrees), this enchanted isle offers lovers plenty of outing options. Golf addicts will go crazy for Bermuda’s eight choice courses, all replete with lovely sea views and pink sand traps. If the Mrs. gets golf fatigue, she can rejuvenate at one of the island’s first-class resort spas, and then wander down to Front Street to shop. Enjoy a day frolicking on the picturesque beaches or catching a few waves while parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. If you’re adventurous, explore Bermuda’s infamous underwater shipwrecks (of Bermuda Triangle lore) with a deep-sea diving tour. Wind down with a cocktail made from local Gosling’s rum and a gourmet dinner at the well-loved Pompano Beach Club.
Paradise found
When seeking Hawaii’s idyllic beaches without the throngs of tourists, those in the know head to Maui. The second largest of the seven Hawaiian Islands, Maui offers a variety of diversions, from top-rate snorkeling to world class dining. The best way to explore this pristine island is to rent a jeep and drive down the Hana Highway, located on Maui’s east coast. On the way you’ll see dramatically diverse landscape, from black sand beaches to lush rainforests. Another must see is the Haleakala National Park where you can view volcanic terrain, as well as the breathtaking seven sacred pools at O’heo Gulch. Afterwards, you can check out the colonial town of Lahaina, located on the west side of the island, where you can find authentic, and laidback, entertainment and dining options. The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is definitely worth your honeymoon stay. Almost every room boasts an ocean view, and you and your beloved can indulge in a seaside couples massage at the resort’s top rated spa.
A New York State of Mind
Nestled among the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of upstate New York are 9,000 acres of vineyards that are reminiscent of Napa Valley. It’s Finger Lakes Wine Country. Only a four-hour drive from Manhattan, along the shores of Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes, couples can enjoy a scenic ride through the area’s renowned and beautiful 80-plus wineries. A spot not to be missed is Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars, located on the Keuka Wine Trail, which makes arguably the best Riesling in the country. The area is also a foodie Mecca, and in addition to the world-class varietals available here, the Finger Lake’s restaurants are a destination onto themselves. Stop by Red Newt Cellars Bistro or the Stone Cat Cafe for a superb meal, and then head for a romantic twilight sail on one of the area’s lakes. For a taste of the country life, pay a visit to the Windmill Farm & Craft Market and bring back some homemade jam or local cheese to remind you of your delicious escape.
Passionate Paris
What could be more romantic than the city of lights? Whether you speak French or not, this capital is fluent in the language of love, and couples will delight in Paris’ many offerings. Culture seekers will have a heyday exploring the Louvre Museum, which houses a plethora of masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, and the Mona Lisa. Fans of Impressionist art should make a beeline for the Musée d’Orsay, which features masterpieces by Renoir, Gauguin, Monet, and countless others. If you consider shopping an art form, Paris delivers with tony boutiques and department stores. Vintage shop connoisseurs are sure to find a steal at the bountiful Le Mouton a Cinque Pattes. After a day of walking along the Seine river and taking in the Eiffel Tower, head to the St. Germaine neighborhood and relax with an aperitif at Café de Flore, like Hemingway and his pals did back in the day. At night, you can dine like a true Parisian at the super cool bistro Vin de Bellechasse.
That’s Amore
Located 1,200 feet above the stunning Mediterranean Sea sits the ravishing town of Ravello. Situated on the famed Amalfi Coast flanked by citrus groves and vineyards, Ravello is a tiny village with much to do. Lovers can lounge at an outdoor cafe, then walk down the quaint cobblestone streets browsing through galleries, gardens, and Ravello’s historic Cathedral with its brilliant Byzantine influence. You can people watch while enjoying a gelato at the Piazza del Duomo, the town center. The place to stay is the Hotel Caruso, which is a restored 11th century palace, complete with gorgeous frescoes and a superb restaurant. In mention of their stellar rooms, splurge on the Jackie O suite, which has with its own private pool. The Hotel Caruso offers a free boat tour of the Amalfi Coast, so you can visit the towns of Positano and Amalfi, as well as swim in the area’s famous grottos.
A Mexican Oasis
Located two hours south of San Diego in Baja California, Mexico’s growing wine region, El Valle de Guadalupe, offers a stunning desert setting, stellar hotels, and fine restaurants. Unlike California’s touristy Napa Valley, the area has only 19 wineries, some which require reservations. Check out Monte Xanic, which produces Bordeaux-like wines; and Casa de Piedra, which produces a formidable Cabernet. Accommodations in the area are fantastic but few. At the Mexico-meets-the Mediterranean villa, Las Brisas del Valle, you can relax in the six vibrantly decorated rooms, enjoy a sunset yoga class, and stargaze while doing a backstroke in their pool. They also serve a lovely Champagne brunch. At the Adobe Guadalupe hotel and winery, you’ll feel like royalty relaxing at their six-room, hacienda-style bed-and-breakfast. In addition to on-premise wine tastings, you can ride horses through their vineyards, and schedule a private cooking class. If you want to venture out, try Laja, which serves fabulous Mexican cuisine.
Bet on love
No longer just a poker and penny slots kind of town, Vegas now deals up four-star restaurants, chic boutiques, and spectacular shows. If you prefer to spend your money in a store rather than on a blackjack table, Las Vegas delivers. Fashionistas can load up on threads at Prada, Gucci, Chanel, and Dior at the Shops at the Bellagio Hotel. For edgier designs, check out the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and browse through retro-cool labels like Pucci and one of the only few freestanding Juicy Couture stores in the world. Those in the mood for more theatrical works, can choose from Celine Dion to the new Cirque du Soleil show, Kà. Almost every star chef has a restaurant in Vegas, so if you happen to hit it big, try out the new no-reservations-taken L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand or Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse in the Bellagio.
Canada for Couples
Only an hour’s flight from New York City brings you to the chic city of Montreal. A combination of old-world charm and modern appeal, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world. And with its Left Bank feel, the ubiquitous sounds of French, and the relaxed laissez-faire vibe of its citizens you feel like you’re in Europe, minus the jet lag. Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal) in the heart of the city provides beautiful river views of the St. Lawrence and architectural gems like the Notre-Dame Basilica. Nature lovers will want to stroll through lovely Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame. For dinner or late-night shopping, head to the hip Le Plateau neighborhood: Rue St.-Denis has great boutiques showcasing local designers, and you can relax and unwind over wine and steak frites at L’Express. For a luxurious hotel in a central location, stay at Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth, infamous for John Lennon’s bed-in in 1969.
The Love Boat
After months of planning, treat yourselves to an effortless getaway – a luxurious trip aboard a ship. With hundreds of itineraries around the world – including Alaska, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand – major cruise lines offer you a long list of fabulous ports to chose from. Each year, cruise ships get bigger and better, and with great dining, load of activities, and lavish amenities, you won’t want to get off the boat. Fill your days onboard by indulging at the spa, or try your luck at rock climbing, or lounging by the pool. If you and your hubby just want to order in a bottle of champagne to toast to your nuptials as you gaze out on the shimmering sea, no problem matey, remember it’s all about the two of you now.
A Grand Old Time
Grand Cayman in the British West Indies, along with it’s two sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, is infamous for it’s pristine diving spots and offshore accounts. But these isles are proving to have substance underneath their beauty and are becoming the hottest destinations in the Caribbean. Located south of Cuba, visitors can enjoy soft sand beaches; warm, crystal clear water; colorful coral reefs; and an abundant sea life. Divers can enjoy more than 150 dive sites around the three Cayman Islands. Snorkeling on the islands is stunning, too, especially around Stingray City. Other sea activities abound, including parasailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and romantic sunset cruises. If shopping is your bag, jaunt over to Georgetown, the capital of the Caymans, where you can purchase everything from frocks by French designers to fine liquors.
No matter which dreamy destination you choose, you’ll spend each romantic moment creating memories that will last forever. Don’t forget to take loads of pictures and bring back lots of souvenirs!